World Food Markets

One of the greatest fun things to do when abroad is to visit local markets. I'm not much of a shopper myself, but both my husband and I enjoy strolling among the produce lined up neatly in picturesque stalls, or just pore over a pile of potatoes on the ground. Both deflect the character of the country you're visiting, and provide insights (and occasionally bargains) as to the local culture. Below are some of our favorite markets around the world, some of which do not appear in the guidebooks:

• Marrakech spice market. Marrakech is well known for its amazing bazaar, which indeed is a shoppers' paradise. The bazaar has different sections, and each offers sensory overload of the goods it offers, ranging from ornate (and not very useful) slippers to amazing brass and white metal works. The spice market, however, is the most unique one in my view. Spices are arrayed in gravity-defying cones and the air is filled with the fragrance of cumin, turmeric and paprika. It's a fascinating place for food lovers, and offers the best preserved lemons around.

  By contrast, look in on the Marrakech fruit and vegetable market. It is dusty, downright dirty, and overall unappealing. Piles of mixed-quality produce are dumped on the dusty ground, with some women selling only scallions, others parsley from their garden. I believe this is the real market in Marrakech, where the locals shop. It has no adornment or charm, but it is functional.

• Chiang Mai produce market. Chiang Mai is about 1 hour flight from Bangkok, Thailand. Nestled amid the jungle greenery, it is a remote town which is currently experiencing an enormous revival, with hotel chains such as the Four Seasons and the Mandarin Oriental building large and beautiful high-luxury resorts in town and near it. To see what real Chiang Mai is like, just go to the bustling market. You might need nose plugs, as the smells are challenging. This is especially true when the local odiferous fruit is involved. The fruit is forbidden from hotels around town since its odor, once introduced, never departs. It is reputed to be delicious, but I couldn't get over the smell. Overall, the market is pretty but not overly so, with interesting displays of produce and no knick-knacks for the occasional tourist. The slabs of meat are especially authentic, if you see what I mean...

• Naschmarkt in Vienna. As expected, the Vienna food market is the picture of neatness and cleanliness. You cant eat off the floor, but don't hesitate biting into any of the produce available even without washing it. The food is pristine and beautiful. What IS suprising is the range of foods offered, and the variety of exotic fruits, including Pomelos from Israel, available at the market. It made me want to stay for a few weeks, buy the amazing meats, cold cuts, sausages and vegetables, and cook, cook, cook.

• Hong Kong markets. Hong Kong is an extremely exotic and mysterious place. The more you visit, the less you realized you know. It is one of the few markets where I found myself repeatedly humbled for not knowing what the produce in front of me is... There are two main markets to visit: the central market, where different sections overwhelm you with their variety and smell, especially the fish section. In addition, there is an outdoor market that offers the most unusual fruits and vegetables, as well as rows of local restaurants for the brave of hearts. Visiting the markets is a journey into the unknown, and the discovery is fascinating.

• Moscow central market. The Moscow indoor market is dominated by folks from the Caucuses, those fertile mountains and valleys that produce beautiful fruits and vegetables. The vendors encourage you to taste their products and continue enticing you from afar as you walk away. The pickles are especially foreign, as Russians pickle pretty much everything. Try the garlic - it is suprising. In addition, the cold cuts offer among the best and least expensive salamis in the world. Those of you who are addicted to the elusive Hungarian salami made by Pick (to be found most easily and cheaply in Prague), don't hesitate to buy the Russian salami. It is delicious. On the other hand, avoid their touted cottage cheese. It is distinctly flavorless. Last, the honey is gorgeous!

• Shuk Hakarmel in Tel Aviv. This market is among the most crowded I've visited. It includes everything, from outstanding produce to thirty+ kinds of olives, great brine-cured pickles and lots of clothes, souvenirs, etc. It's a happening place, especially on Friday morning when the locals do their shopping for Shabat (Friday night is the special meal night in Isarel). Kitty corner from the market on Alenbi street is the best falafel place in town. Grab a piping hot falafel in pita on your way out of the market, and mosey up Sheinkin Street to see the new stores, arts and crafts vendors and just drink in the atmosphere.

• Egyptian spice market, Istanbul. Istanbul's Grand bazaar is indeed the grandest market of them all. The amount of gold, artifacts, carpets, knick knacks and souvenirs that is displayed and sold in that market is staggering. Yet, I enjoy the less popular Egyptian Spice Market even more. The quality and variety of fruit available in the market is beyond description, and the vendors are proud of their wares. I'll never forget the wizened Turk who offered me the largest, most luscious mulberries I've ever tasted, not to mention the elusive loquats that cannot be found for love or money in the United States. The fact that at 1pm everyone leaves their shops, spreads the straw mat and prays to A llah adds to the incomparable and exotic nature of the market.

• Chatuchak market in Bangkok. This market is said to be the largest outdoors market in the world. It is indeed enormous. Open only on the weekends, it attracts hundreds of thousands of both locals and tourists. It does get crowded, but not impassably so. The market is divided into sections: food, construction materials, pets (including squirrels, snakes and other fun animals), arts and crafts, and, my favorite, antiques (section 26). When in Bangkok, this is an experience not to be missed. A word for the wise: bargaining is a way of life here. It is not insulting to a vendor to get an offer that is 50% of the asking price, or even lower. IT is par for the course.

• Manaos market. There isn't much to the market in Manaos, in the heart of the Amazon jungle, which is sadly telling about life in that part of the world. In addition to a host of cleaning materials, a pile of potatoes on the floor is the extent of the market. It might not be a cheerful place to visit, but it is a telling one.

• Tokyo fish market. This market is world-famous. It's best to come here at 4am, with the fishermen, and witness the amazing array of foods that come from the sea. The seafood is extremely fresh and therefore not smelly at all. Getting up so early in the morning isn't fun, but if you're a fish-lover, it's worth the effort.

• Les Halles, Lyon. My most favorite market in the world is the Lyon food market. Lyon is truly the food capital of the world, outstripping Paris for quality of both produce and prepared foods. The market has top quality butchers, bakers, chocolatiers, charcuterie artisans who make the very best pates, hams and other delicacies, and some of the world's best cheeses. This is a place to go, take your time strolling among the impeccable stalls, and buy enough food for a lavish picnic lunch after the walk. If you're a foodie, this is heaven!

There are countless markets around the world. I love visiting them because they give me an insight into the heart of each country. I didn't include on this list markets in Africa, or the fried cockroach stall in Hua Hin, Thailand, not the great markets on rue Cleber or rue Poncelet in Paris. I included those markets that are off the beaten path, unusual and fascinating. I'd love to hear what markets are your favorites. After all, we all know that food is love!